Record changer



May 2, 1933; "M. A. 6151111 wmss RECORD CHANGER I Filed Sept. 23, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 2, W650 M. A. m uN RECORD CHANGER- Filed Sept. 23. 1951 4 Sheotsi-Sheet 2 May 2, 19339 A, GQBLIN 907,5 8

RECORD CHANGER Filed Sept. 33,1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 /7 27 y 1933. 1 M. A. GHBLEN 9 90 RECORD CHANGER Filed Sept. 2;, 19s; 4 Sheet$heet 4 {My z w Patented May 2, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MARC A. GIBLIN, OF WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO HARRY W. BOLENS, 0]? PORT WASHINGTON, WISCONSIN RECORD CHANGER Application filed September 23, 1931.

This invention pertains to record changers for reproducing machines.

Heretofore record changers in common use have in general employed record holders or magazines, together with various auxiliary mechanisms for delivering records from the holder to the reproducing mechanism and removing the same therefrom and returning them to the magazine.

In addition to requiring complicated and -costly apparatus, readily subject to getting out of order, such devices were invariably bulky and clumsy, necessitating an exceedingly large cabinet,-all of which met with obvious objections.

Other objections arose from the fact that, in the absence of a very elaborate, expensive structure, the majority of changers were capable of playing only one side of the records.

Therefore, the primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of an extremely simple inexpensive, and compact record holder for automatically removing a record from playing position, and delivering another record, to playing position, whereby both sides of each record may be played.

Incidental to the foregoing, a more specific object resides in the provision of a device of the foregoing character comprising a record holder revolubly mounted upon a fixed axis above the reproducing mechanism for automatically removing a record from playing position and delivering another record to playing position during revolution of the holder.

A more specific object resides in the provision of a record changer of the foregoing character including means for automatically locking the record removed from playing position in the holder, and releasing the record to be delivered to playing position.

A still further object resides in the provision of means stationarily associated with the holder for picking up and deliver ng records to the reproducing mechanism, and more specifically an object 1s to provide tracks rotatable with the holder to engage under the record in playing position for Serial No. 564,540.

removing and returning the same to the holder, and for delivering another record from the holder to playing position during revolution of the holder.

Still another object resides in the pro- 5 vision of a changer capable of handling various numbers of records, and which because of its principle of operation and structural design, can be so constructed to handle any number of records, limited only by the amount of power available, whereas other changers in common use are confined to a specific number of records because of structural limitations.

With the above and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention residesin the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts substantially as hereinafter described and more particularly defined by the appended claims, it being under-stood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention may be made as come within the scope of the claims.

In the accompanying drawings is illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of the present invention constructed according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof.

Figure 1 is a top plan View of my improved record changing device, showing the same applied to a turntable of a phonograph;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary detail section through the record holder illustrating the record locking and releasing mechanism;

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the improved device showing the same in use,' parts of the device being shown broken away and in section;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detaill vertical section taken at right angles to Figure 2, illustrating the record locking and release mechanism on the carrier holder, the mechanism being shown in its tripped position; a

Figure 5 is a detalled fragmentary vertlcal section through the record release and locking mechanism;

Figure 6 is a vertical section through the record changing device, looking toward the inside of one oi the end plates of the record holder and illustrating the normal position of the record holder during the playing of the record;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, showing the record holder in its initial position for picking up a played record from the turntable.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showlng the record holder in its second operative position with the played record picked up from the turntable and the record to be played in its released position for depos iting on the turntable;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing the record holder depositing the record on the turntable;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the record holder returning to its normal position with the record being released and placed "on the turntable.

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings in detail, the invention is illustrated in combination with a conventional phonograph mechanism comprising a turntable 10 driven by any preferred type of prime motor, such as an electric motor which may also serve as a source of power for actuating the changer. No means has been illustrated for reproducing the sound vibrations from the record, but it will be quite obvious that either a conventional tone arm or electric pick-up may be employed, without in any way efi'ecting the invention, which-is applicable to any type of sound reproducing mechanism utilizing conventional disc records. Also, any conventional mechanism may be employed for actuating the tone arm or electric pick-up and record holder during the changing of a record, inasmuch as the same forms no part of the present invention.

The turntable 10 is rotatably mounted on a base 11 to which the motor (not shown) may also be secured, and projecting up from the base are a pair of standards 12 having journalled therein on a fixed axis the record holder generally indicated by the reference character 15 comprising the present invention. The record holder 15 in the present instance consists of a pair of companion pear-shaped end plates 16 connected together by upper and lower transverse straps 17 and 18, provided with means to normally retain records therebetween, as will be here inafter more fully described.

The outer faces of the end plates 16 carry stub shafts 19 which are journalled in the standards 12 adjacent to the upper ends thereof. One stub shaft 19 can be provided with a driving element, such as asprocket wheel 20 for permitting the operation of the record holder, by any preferred or conventional means during the changing of a record. The peripheral edges of the end plates 16 are provided with inwardly directed flanges forming tracks 21 for receiving records therebetween during the removing and placing of records for the turntable. These tracks 21 terminate short of the upper and lower ends of the end plates as clearly shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, and when the end plates are in their upright position, as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the tracks lie on opposite sides of a record on the turntable and permit the free rotation of the record with the turntable.

A stack of records indicated by the reference character 25 is arranged between the end plates 16 directly above the turntable and lie between the transverse straps 17 and 18. As shown, the top transverse strap 17 on opposite sides of its transverse center carries transversely extending fingers 26, which are adapted to normally rest on the opposite sides of the record stack. The outer face of the strap 17 also carries guide arms 27 which project beyond the opposite sides of the transverse strap. The lower transverse strap 18 on opposite sides of its transverse center carries substantially U- shaped brackets 28 for receiving and holding the records.

In order to facilitate the removing and placing of records on the turntable 10, the base 11 is provided with upstanding guide arms 29 and 30. These guide arms 29 and 30 are diametrically opposite one another across the turntable and are positioned at right angles to the end plates 16 ofthe record holder 15.

Novel means is provided for releasably holding the stack of'records in place on the record holder and this means automatically functions to release a record at the desired time from the stack and for holding the remaining records in proper position in the stack.

This means comprises trips 31 arranged on opposite sides of the record holder adjacent to the upper end thereof.

In the present instance, the trips 31 are shown substantially U-shaped, each including walls 32 and 33 connected together by a cross piece 34, preferably having opposite inclined faces. The end walls extend through suitable openings 35 formed in the end plates 16 and are rockably mounted on shafts 36 carried by the said end plates 16.

The end wall 32 is provided with an upper projecting triangular-shaped finger 37 and a similar shaped ofi'set finger 38. The opposite end plate includes a pointed lower finger 39 and a laterally projecting guide leg 39'. Normally, the record holding and release. members 31 are held in position use of tension springs 40 and are tripped to the position shown in Figure 4 of the drawings by inwardly projecting trip pins or lugs 41 carried by the inner faces of the standards 12 during the rotation of the record holder 15.

In the operation of my improved device,

the tracks 21 on one side of the end plates serves as means for picking upa record frbm the turntable, while the tracks on the other side of the end plates serve to deposit a record on-the turntable.

Thus, assuming a record changing device is in its normal position, as shown in F igure 6 of the drawings, and the record on the turntable 10 has just been played, the record holder 15 will start to turn about itsv axis through the automatic driving mechanism not shown). At the start of the turning of a record holder, the tracks 21 on one side of the end plates 16 will slide under the edge of the record on the turntable and gradually pick up the record from off the turntable, as shown in Figure 7 of the drawlngs.

The record on the left hand side of the stack 25 (see Figure 7) has previously been released by the trips, as will. be later described, while the record on the right hand side of the stack is held in place by the finger 39.

Continued rotation of the record holder 15 will allow the released record to fall below the U-shaped holders 28 on the transverse strap 18 and into the tracks 21 on the right hand side, as clearly shown in Figure 8 of the drawings (see Figure 8).

When the record holder has completed v three-fourths of its revolution, (see Figure 9) the record picked up will fall by gravity on the record stack against the finger 39 and will be guided by leg 39 in place, while the released record will be gradually deposited by the tracks on the turntable. The

' released record being guided in place by the guide arms 29 and 30.

Just prior to the return of the record holder 15 to normal position (see Figure 10), the cross pieces 34 of the trips 31 will strike the tri lugs or pins 41 causing the rocking of tiiese trips momentarily away from the record stack 25. This allows the picked up record to fall flat against the record stack and will be retained there by the fingers 39 upon return of the trips 31 by.

their springs 40. The return of the trips 31, through the medium of the fingers 37 and 38, will release a record (on the lefthand side) from the stack, so that this record will be in a position to be deposited on the turntable upon reoperating the record holder.

The release of the record by the trips 31 is as follows: As the trips 31 are swung on their pivots by the trip lugs or pins 41, the

upper fingers 37 of the trips ride between the record to be played and the record stack 25, forcing this record out at an angle and at the same time holding the other records of the stack in place. During this time, the lower fingers 38" are riding awa from. the record being released (see Fig. 2 In Figure 4 the upper fingers 37 have entered between the records, while the lower fingers 38 have swung clear and the record being released will fall by gravity to the position shown in Figure 10. As soon as the trips 31 ride past the trip lugs or pins 41, the trips will return to normal position and the upper fingers 37 thereof will ride away from the record stack and the lower fingers 38 will ride into engagement with the record stack between the stack and the released record holding the remaining records of the stack in place.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that aside from rotation of the record holder 15, no moving .parts are required in the picking up or delivering of the records, with the exception of the trips 31, and that an extremely simple mechanism has been provided, automatically releasing the records to be delivered to playing position and retaining the remainder of the records in the record stack.

It will also be appreciated, due to the simplicity of operation and structure of the invention, that the necessity of close workmanship is eliminated, and because of the few moving parts required, the possibility of getting out of order is reduced to a minimum.

Numerous other advantages result from the novel structural features, but it is contemplated that such features may be varied in numerous ways without departing from the invention. Other changes in details may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. In combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records, a record holder revolubly mounted on a fixed axis above said mechanism, for automatically removing a record from playing position, and delivering another record to playing position during revolution of the holder.

2. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable horizontally disposed turntable, of means for automatically delivering records to and taking records from the turntable including a revolvable record magazine arranged above the turntable, and means on the magazine for engaging and lifting a record from the turntable and for depositing a record on the turntable during rotationa rotatable horizontally disposed turntable,

of means for automatically delivering records to and taking records from the turntable including a record magazine rotatably mounted on a fixed axis above said turntable, means for rotating said magazine, means on the magazine for releasably holding a stack of records thereon, and means on the magazine for engaging and lifting a record from the turntable and for depositing a record on the turntable during rotation of said magazine.

7 4. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable horizontally disposed turntable, of means for automatically delivering records to and taking records from the turntable including a record magazine rotatably mounted on a fixed axis above said turntable, means for rotating said magazine, means on the magazine for releasably holding a stack of records thereon, and means on the magazine for engaging and lifting a record from the turntable and for depositing a record on the turntable during rotation of said magazine, andtrip means arranged in the path of the means on the magazine for releasably holding the stack of records for actuating the same.

5. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable horizontally disposed turntable, of means for automatically delivering records to and, taking records from the turntable including. a record magazine holder rotatably mounted upon a fixed axis above 'the turntable having spaced end plates, releasable means on the end plates intermediate their side edges for holding a stack of records thereon, inwardly directed tracks formed on one of the said edges of the end plates for engaging under and lift-.

ing a record from the turntable during rotation of the magazine, inwardly directed flanges on the other side of the end plates for depositing records on the turntable during rotation of the magazine, and means arranged in the path of the releasable stack holder for actuating the same at a predetermined distance.

6. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable horizontally disposed turntable, of means for automatically delivering records to and taking records from the turntable including a record magazine holder rotatably mounted upon a fixed axis above the turntable having spaced end plates, releasable means on the end plates intermediate their side edges for holding a stack of records thereon, inwardly directed. tracks formed on one of the said edges of the end plates for engaging under and lifting a record from the turntable during rotation of the magazine, inwardly directed flanges on and from the releasable stack holder and said tracks.

7. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable horizontally disposed turntable, of means for automatically delivering records to and taking records from the turntable including a record magazine rotatable upon'a fixed axis above the turntable, means for rotating the magazine in one direction, said magazine including a pair of spaced end plates arranged on opposite sides of the turntable, means rigidly securing the end plates together, pivoted U-shaped trips carried by the end plates having spaced teeth for engaging a record on one side of the record stack and a tooth and a guide on the other side of the record stack, a fixed stop for actuating the trips during rotation of the magazine, and inwardly directed tracks formed on the opposite edges of the end plates for depositing a record on and taking a record from the turntable.

8. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a rotatable turntable, of a rotatable record magazine arranged above the turntable for automatically picking up a record from the turntable and depositing a record on said turntable during rotation of said magazine.

9. The combination with a mechanism for reproducing phonograph records including a turntable, of a record changer including a revoluble record magazine arranged above the turntable having means holding a group of records centrally thereon and record lifting and depositing tracks on opposite sides of said means, the records being movable by gravity back and forth to said holding means, from and to said tracks during rotation of said magazine.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand at Milwaukce, in the county of Milwaukee and State of 

